June 10, 2011 -
Dads, kids, and the whole family will be able to catch a bonding experience at the Father's Day Fishing Event, presented by City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department and the Mast General Store on Sunday, June 19, 2011, in Victor Ashe Park.

The event will run from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the park which is located at 4901 Bradshaw Rd.

More than 200 children and their parents participated in last year's event.

"There is always a great turnout for this event because it is good, free, family fun," said Joe Walsh, Director of Knoxville Parks and Recreation. "Events like this—that bring families and communities together—is what parks and recreation is all about."

The two-acre lake at Victor Ashe Park contains channel catfish ranging from 2-8 pounds that were donated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, in addition to the existing large mouth bass and bluegill.

The Mast General Store is partnering with the City of Knoxville by donating prizes to be given away, including a grand prize for the largest fish caught by a father/child team. There's also a prize for the first person to catch the albino catfish that will be put in the lake.

Participants should bring their own bait, tackle, fishing poles, and blankets. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the event.

Fishing licenses are required on site for everyone over the age of 13 that will be fishing. There is a take-home limit of two fish for this event.

No pre-registration is necessary. However, participants can register for door prizes on the day of the event.